using BMF

[stulee11]

hi everyone i was just wondering if anyone had any gd tips or hints on using BMF for the first time

[Foxer]

Adding to what Jacen said, I also use a round toothpick to burnish and get the foil into tight places. You just have to be careful not to tear the foil.

[David G.]

Patience. Be prepared to re-do things on occasion. Practice on an old car body a bit to get the feel for how the foil handles.

David G.

edit; Don't try to do too much in one sitting. This stuff may wear you out more than you realize.

Edited October 28, 2011 by David G.

[stulee11]

can BMF be clear coated or do i put it on after clear coat ????

[imatt88]

Stu,

Great question! I, too, am new to BMF, and I would also like to know

What part of London are you from? Are you an Eastender, or from the west side?

Cheers, Ian

Edited October 30, 2011 by imatt88

[MrObsessive]

I personally put it on after clearcoat if I put on clear at all. Contrary to popular belief, Bare Metal Foil DOES NOT need to be cleared at all! If one takes their time, and burnishes it properly, BMF should need NO clear coat.

I have cars that I foiled 15+ years ago that are still OK with no clear over them.

One other tip that no one's mentioned but is VERY important------BMF is only as good as your paint underneath. BMF will NOT cover over a bad paint job or body work that is substandard. Having said this, it's important that your paint is rubbed out and is as smooth as possible. I've seen nice builds that have been otherwise marred by BMF that is very wrinkly, from the paint underneath not being rubbed out properly.

...........And yes, I've put BMF over waxed paint jobs. If you take your time and burnish your foil properly, your BMF should go over a waxed paint job and look fantastic when done well.

Hope all this helps!

[stulee11]

thanks for the tip . i am from east end a place called "canning town" you no it ????

[stulee11]

sweet thanks dude

[Howard Cohen]

I use Microbrush applicators from Alpha Abrasives (makers of Flexifile) to get into all the nooks and crannies and name plates and emblems with BMF. They work much better than qtips, leave no strands and come in different sizes. For burnishing, I use the side of a flat toothpick. I never put clear over BMF, I put the clear under it. Like Bill said, a smooth finish makes the BMF better. I put on a good coat or two of Treatment Model Wax as it gives a smoother surface for the BMF. I did a small demo this past NNL East showing how easy it is to do BMF. Also, I use stainless steel surgical blades for BMF as they have a cleaner, sharper edge and will last longer...and when you cut yourself, and you will, the cut is cleaner and easier to mend, but it still hurts

[stulee11]

lol thanks for that mate i aint looking forward to losing digits lol but i am going to give it a good few trys on old shells before i try on my charger . But thanks to everyone for all the hints and tips i will upload pics here for you all to see how its going and to try and help me in making it better

[stulee11]

here as promised my first attempt at BMF i dont think its to bad really but you know the drill any comment welcome

sorry for the picture quality my excuse is its crappy quality so it makes my work look that little bit better lmao .

thanks for looking in

[bigmikevee]

Hey Stu,

Your results are looking great, for around the windows, just try one side at a time, I see the point Roger made, and quite a good one at that, but if you just make thin strips and make your joints/seams in the corners, you will save a ton of foil, and only Superman ( or someone looking at your car from three inches away ) will see the seams. Keep up the good work!

Mike

[sbrown313]

Hello Gentlemen.

I'm new to this forum and I thought I'd open this topic back up with a tip that I use.

For window treatment, I start first at the bottom window trim. Cut strips just wider than the trim and longer than the opening. Position BMF 1 scale inch above bottom trim. Burnish and trim off excess. Second, cut side BMF taller and wider than the trim to be covered. Position BMF to slightly overlap the bottom trim. Burnish and trim off excess. Trim top just below top inside corner. The top piece is cut and positioned to slightly overlap the 2 sides. Burnish and trim off excess.

Now if anyone wants to do a closeup inspection, they will see that the foil most likly resembles a 1:1 chrome trim job.

For side trim I try to follow the same guidelines. Check a real 1:1 if possible and see where the trim overlaps and follow that example.

[Bastardo]

Check this out:

http://www.briansmodelcars.com/tutorials/tutorial/16

I've used thet method a few times and it rocks